Mason City may reconsider ban on metal detectors in parks

IOWA

Mason City may reconsider ban on metal detectors in parks

MASON CITY (AP) — Mason City officials may reconsider a ban adopted last month on using metal detectors in parks.

Park Board Chairman Don Nelson tells the Globe Gazette he is working with scavengers who use metal detectors to develop a permit system that would allow the hobby.

The Park Board banned metal detectors because of concerns about the potential for damage to city property when users try to dig up what they find. Parts of East Park have to remain undisturbed to remain eligible for certain grants.

The issue came up after a park official stopped James Sayles from using his metal detector in East Park. Sayles told the board he had been doing so for years and couldn't find anything in city rules that prohibited it.

Nelson said he has been trying to find a workable solution since last month's meeting. Some fans of metal detectors are helping develop the plan.

'I think they're working on a good compromise where people will be able to use the metal detectors but will have to get a permit,' Nelson said. 'There will be some rules and if someone doesn't follow them, we can jerk the permit. That way, people can use them but the city exercises some control. It seems like a plan that will work.'

Nelson said he hopes to be able to bring a proposal to the next park board meeting.